Milos Island is a sneaky little island gem. From cliffside beaches to unique rock formations, this gorgeous Greek island is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
It’s also a great place to learn more about Greece’s fascinating history and culture. Check out the incredible Kleftiko Caves, Sykia Cave and more of these stunning coastal features!
Kleftiko Caves
Kleftiko is an awe-inspiring natural wonder southwest of the island of Milos. Translating to “The Bandits’ Lair,” this cove is famed for its crystal clear turquoise waters and elaborate caves, making it one of the most popular destinations on the island, visited by many of the daily sailboat cruises that depart from Adamas during the summer months.
Featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the Kleftiko Caves are a testament to the raw power of nature. The caves are also home to a large number of sea animals that can be spotted while snorkeling in the area.
While the most popular cave to visit on a trip to Kleftiko is Sikia Cave, there are several others that are worth seeing as well. These include the Papafragas Cave, which looks like a partially collapsed tunnel and features an entrance from the seaside, as well as three smaller caves with circular rock formations. Papafragas is a particularly attractive spot to see at sunset time, when the sun’s rays reflect off the water in the cave.
The best way to experience the Kleftiko Caves is by taking a boat tour or cruise that will take you along the island’s coastline, including the famous Sarakiniko beach and the Kleftiko caves. Most of these tours will meet in the port of Adamas and will include lunch, drinks, and a guide to help you explore the cliffs and coves that make up this beautiful area of the island.
Sykia Cave
A true wonder of nature, the Sykia Cave is a must-see attraction for visitors to Milos. This impressive sea cave is home to a number of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as unique rock formations. Located on the southwest side of the island, the Sykia Cave is a great place to explore the beauty and natural power of Mother Nature.
This incredible cave was once covered, but the roof eventually collapsed, revealing a stunning cavern with an open top that shows off the beautiful blue Aegean sky. The cave is also home to a small beach, and you can swim in the crystal clear waters, but be sure to bring your snorkeling gear. The best time to visit the Sykia Cave is at sunset, as this is when the sun’s rays can be seen shining through the cave’s opening.
Located near Tripiti, the beautiful village of Klima is another great destination to explore on your Milos cruise. The village is famous for its syrmata, which are carved into the rocks and feature brightly colored doors. The village is also known for its sandy beach, which is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.
Catacombs of Milos
The Catacombs of Milos, near the settlement of Trypiti, is a maze of underground tunnels used as Christian tombs during the time of Christian persecution by the Romans. Today, these caves serve as a memorial to the dead and also a place of worship.
While most of the burial chambers are covered with rock slabs, some can be accessed by visitors. The oldest inscription that can be seen is in one of the chambers, which reads: “Stefanis daughter of Milon rests here”. The cave was renovated and improved in 2009. The entrance has been made wider and the passages were cleaned. It has a more modern look, but despite this, the ambiance of the place has not changed.
These are the only Christian catacombs in Greece. They were first explored by Ludwig Ross in 1844 but were already heavily looted at that time. Greek archaeologists Georgios Lampakis and Georgios Sotiriou were the ones who did a systematic excavation of the site and tried to find out more about the place.
It is believed that these catacombs were created as early as the 2nd century AD. The Christian population was increasing rapidly and the island of Milos was used as a place of worship. Some of the inscriptions can still be seen on the walls, such as the monogram of Christ or the ecumenical Christian symbol IKhThUS. There are also hollows that were once used for burning candles or offering votive gifts to the dead.
Kostantakis Cave Winery
Discover the hidden gems of Milos Island on this unique wine tasting experience. Learn the secrets of traditional wine production at this family owned vineyard and taste wines paired with local cheeses and delicacies.
The winery is located next to the quaint seaside village of Pollonia, only a short distance from the beach and the port. The vines grow in the volcanic, porous soil of the island under warm and dry climate conditions. The wine is stored in large natural caves carved into the rock, providing proper humidity and steady temperature.
During the tour, you will walk across the vineyard and visit the cave where the wine is aged and stored. You will learn about the traditional machines and facilities used to make the wine and get to sample 7 wines plus 2 distillations – all paired with various local products.
At the end of your tour, you will be able to take home a bottle of your favorite wine from the Kostantakis Cave Winery to enjoy at home. This is a unique experience that you will not find anywhere else.
Kostantakis Winery and Residence is a small boutique property consisting of 4 studios, 2 superior studios, 1 suite and 1 apartment, combining harmoniously the Cycladic architecture with modern comfort. Each guestroom is uniquely designed with special taste and fantasy and all feature a spacious balcony with amazing sea views.